Goose Couple Gives Lesson In Black History

February 14, 1997|By JENNIFER SCHOLTEN Special to the Sun-Sentinel

CORAL SPRINGS — Who would think two geese could teach black history?

A Hollywood duo who call themselves ``Mother and Father Goose'' are teaching youngsters about black history through a story called ``Back to Africa,'' about a girl who travels to Africa for her eighth birthday. The two said they learned about customs, traditions and music from African Americans in their community and through literature. They're passing it on to youngsters in elementary schools in Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties in honor of Black History Month.

``We're white, but what's happened is the black community taught us. And now we're teaching the rest of the community,'' said ``Father Goose,'' also known as Shawn Paris, who has been performing with wife Jamie for three years.

The couple performs various acts about 250 times a year, putting a new twist on old children's fables and rhymes for kids from the MTV generation.

Today, the city of Coral Springs is hosting a performance where Humpty Dumpty raps his message and the story of The Little Boy Who Cried Wolf is told through rock 'n' roll.

Mother Goose's Enchanted Tea Party, which has aired on CBS and PBS, will be presented at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Friday at Saint Andrews Catholic Church Social Hall at 9950 NW 29 St.

Tickets are $2 and available in advance at Mullins Park Annex, 10000 NW 29 St. ``These kids grew up with MTV, they're used to a two-frame edit where things are moving constantly,'' he said. ``We keep things moving, it's something different every minute, it keeps their attention.''

Winners of the 1996 Parents' Choice Award, the pair is scheduled to perform ``Back to Africa'' at Country Hills Elementary School at 10550 Westview Drive at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Feb. 21.